2009 Player of the yearHall of Achievement

The High School Hall of Achievement is an elite group of former high school athletes who have distinguished themselves in their professional careers. The inductees serve as tremendous role models for high school athletes. Their message is to employ the values and skills learned in athletics and apply them to your professional career. We are proud of their success and are honored to claim them in our High School Hall of Fame family.

Del City High School

2009 Player of the Year

“I feel like I’m always open to learning and getting better, and I have another level to reach”
-Toni Young

“I feel like I’m always open to learning and getting better, and I have another level to reach”
-Toni Young

  • Multiple State Champion in the High Jump and Girls' Basketball
  • 2012 NCAA All American
  • Attended Oklahoma State University
  • Girls' Track & Field
    2009 Player of the Year

    Toni Young

    Del City High School

    Del City,
    Oklahoma

    Impact Statement

    “I feel like I’m always open to learning and getting better, and I have another level to reach”
    -Toni Young

    Biography

    The 6-foot-1 Young will play basketball at Oklahoma State University, but may be a better track and field athlete. On the same day Finley cracked the national high school record book, Young joined him, tying the 15-year-old high jump record by leaping 6 feet, 4 inches in the Norman North Invitational. Young also cleared 6-0 and 6-2 in the same meet as she broke her own state record. Her 6-4 jump stood as the world’s best this year until it was bettered in a European professional meet May 8.

    Last weekend she took her third Class 6A state title with a leap of 5-6. Raised in a household of 10 children by a single mother, Young didn’t play on traveling teams or attend elite camps. But she could dunk a basketball as a junior, and this year she led Del City’s basketball team to a 24-5 record and the 6A state title, averaging 14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. She was named Big All-City Player of the Year by The Daily Oklahoman, which also named her to its All-State First Team.

    Young did go on to play basketball for the Cowboys her first three years and put herself into the top 10 in six statistical categories all-time at OSU. Midway through her junior year Young went back to the high jump and joined the Track & Field team. At the 2012 Outdoor Championship Young became an All American by placing 5th. She also competed at the 2012 Olympic Trials.


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    Records

  • Multiple State Champion in the High Jump and Girls' Basketball
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2012 NCAA All American
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Oklahoma State University
  • Buena Vista High School

    2009 Coach of the Year

    “You have to develop a technique that plays to your tools. It’s all physics. You can’t throw the discus with just heart. It’s speed times power. Energy and all of that.”

    “You have to develop a technique that plays to your tools. It’s all physics. You can’t throw the discus with just heart. It’s speed times power. Energy and all of that.”

  • 3x Class 3A double state champion in the discus and the shot put
  • Set a national high school discus record
  • 2016 Olympic Team Member
  • 2017 Bronze Medalist at the World Championships
  • Placed top 6 at four NCAA National Championships
  • Attended the University of Kansas for three years before transferring to University of Wyoming
  • Boys' Track & Field
    2009 Coach of the Year

    Mason Finley

    Buena Vista High School

    Buena Vista ,
    Colorado

    Impact Statement

    “You have to develop a technique that plays to your tools. It’s all physics. You can’t throw the discus with just heart. It’s speed times power. Energy and all of that.”

    Biography

    The three-time Class 3A double state champion – in the discus and the shot put – set a national high school discus record April 25 with a throw of 236 feet, 6 inches in the High Altitude Challenge at Alamosa. The 6-foot-8, 330-pound Finley, committed to UCLA, set five state meet records, and all three discus state title performances were record-setters. After finishing seventh as a freshman, a toss of 186-10 as a sophomore bettered the defending state champion by 19 feet and gave him his first title.

    Finley moved from Salida High to Buena Vista his junior year and set a pair of state records, throwing the discus 211-6 and the shot put 64-9’½. He also took the Nike Outdoor discus title. Last weekend Finley ended his high school career with two more state records – 214-1 in the discus and 67-10¼ in the shot put, the latter breaking not only his own 3A record, but the all-class record which had stood for 27 years. His personal best shot put, 71-3’½, is the 10th-best high school throw of all time.

    Finley attended the University of Kansas for three years before transferring to the University of Wyoming. Over the course of his college career he placed in the top six at the NCAA Championships (Indoor and Outdoor).

    Finley was an Olympic Team Member in 2016, placing 11th in the discus throw. In 2017 Finley was a  Bronze Medalist at the World Championships in London, England, winning the first United States medal in this event in many years.


    Photos

    Records

  • 3x Class 3A double state champion in the discus and the shot put
  • Set a national high school discus record
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2016 Olympic Team Member
  • 2017 Bronze Medalist at the World Championships
  • Placed top 6 at four NCAA National Championships
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Kansas for three years before transferring to University of Wyoming
  • The Francis Parker School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Epstein became the ninth girl in Illinois high school history to win multiple state singles titles.

    Epstein became the ninth girl in Illinois high school history to win multiple state singles titles.

  • 2 time Illinois State Champion and one time State Runner-up
  • Attended Yale University
  • Girls' Tennis
    2009 Player of the Year

    Elizabeth Epstein

    The Francis Parker School

    Chicago,
    Illinois

    Impact Statement

    Epstein became the ninth girl in Illinois high school history to win multiple state singles titles.

    Biography

    Last fall Epstein became the ninth girl in Illinois high school history to win multiple state singles titles after beating the two-time defending state doubles champion, Nida Hamilton of Hinsdale Central High, 6-4, 6-4 in the championship match.  She was named the Chicago Tribune/WGN-Channel 9 Athlete of the Month for October for her accomplishment.

    Competing in a field that included six players on tennisrecruiting.net’s Blue Chip list, Epstein did not lose a set in six state tournament matches as a senior. She also won the state title in straight sets as a junior and was the state runnerup as a sophomore, winning the opening set of the title match. Ranked in tennisrecruiting.net’s top 30 seniors, Epstein owns a 27-14 junior record. She will attend Yale University.

    While at Yale, Epstein helped the Bulldogs win their first ever NCAA tournament victory as a sophomore. She was named First Team All-Ivy her Senior and Junior seasons in singles.  Her senior year she was honored with the Nellie Pratt Elliot Award, the highest honor for a senior female student-athlete at Yale.


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    Records

  • 2 time Illinois State Champion and one time State Runner-up
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Yale University
  • Lakota West High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    “Wyatt combines talent, work ethic and character better than any athlete I’ve worked with.”
    -Mike Mueller, Lakota West coach

    “Wyatt combines talent, work ethic and character better than any athlete I’ve worked with.”
    -Mike Mueller, Lakota West coach

  • 2008 Division I Ohio State Champion
  • Attended Ohio State University
  • Boys' Tennis
    2009 Player of the Year

    Wyatt Lippert

    Lakota West High School

    West Chester,
    Ohio

    Impact Statement

    “Wyatt combines talent, work ethic and character better than any athlete I’ve worked with.”
    -Mike Mueller, Lakota West coach

    Biography

    The 6-foot-2, 180-pound left-hander rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the third set of the Division 1 state final by winning six straight games and the championship as a junior. Ranked No. 37 nationally by tennisrecruiting.net, Lippert heads into the state tournament as the No. 1 seed in his bid to repeat.

    Lippert was one of just two freshmen to qualify for the state tournament, a season in which he posted a 21-10 record and the first of back-to-back third-place finishes. He finished 25-6 as a sophomore, losing in the state semifinals to 2007 NHSCA Senior Athlete of the Year Matt Allare of Kings Mills High, Lippert’s future college teammate at Ohio State University.

    As a junior Lippert finished 31-1 with a 29-match winning streak. Lippert owns a 51-22 junior record and was a finalist in the United States Tennis Association under-18 Midwest Winter Championship and the Fall Midwest Indoor Closed events last year.


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    Records

  • 2008 Division I Ohio State Champion
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Ohio State University
  • Westlake High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Beck’s time in the 100-yard backstroke (53.03) not only is  a state record, but the national public school record.

    Beck’s time in the 100-yard backstroke (53.03) not only is  a state record, but the national public school record.

  • Set 3 state records during her high school career
  • Attended University of California-Berkeley for a year before transferring to Louisiana State University
  • Girls' Swimming
    2009 Player of the Year

    Mary Beck

    Westlake High School

    Austin,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    Beck’s time in the 100-yard backstroke (53.03) not only is  a state record, but the national public school record.

    Biography

    Beck also was a national record-setter this year – for the second year in a row. She swam 1:56.45 in her signature event, the 200-yard individual medley, setting a state record for the third consecutive year. She broke the national record of 1:56.87 set by last year’s National High School Girls Swimmer of the Year, Michelle McKeehan of Greenwood (Ind.) Center Grove High.

    Beck’s time of 1:57.41 in last year’s Class 5A state meet also was a national record until McKeehan broke it at her state meet. Beck’s time in the 100-yard backstroke (53.03) not only is also a state record, but the national public school record, and she is a two-time state champion in that event. Beck also swam the nation’s fourth-fastest time in the 100-yard freestyle in 2008 (49.54) and holds the Junior Pan Pacific Championships records in the 200 and 400 individual medleys. She will attend the University of California-Berkeley.

    Beck was part of Berkeley’s 2009 NCAA National Championship team after a successful performance by the freshman. After the season Beck transferred to LSU and swam for the Lady Tigers.


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    Records

  • Set 3 state records during her high school career
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended University of California-Berkeley for a year before transferring to Louisiana State University
  • Friendswood High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    “Setting the high school record was probably the biggest point in my career and it is really cool that I did it in the pool I now swim in every day.”  -Cole Cragin

    “Setting the high school record was probably the biggest point in my career and it is really cool that I did it in the pool I now swim in every day.”  -Cole Cragin

  • set a national high school record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 46.75 seconds
  • 4x NCAA All American
  • Attended the University of Texas
  • Boys' Swimming
    2009 Player of the Year

    Cole Cragin

    Friendswood High School

    Friendswood,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    “Setting the high school record was probably the biggest point in my career and it is really cool that I did it in the pool I now swim in every day.”  -Cole Cragin

    Biography

    Considered one of the nation’s top double-event swimmers this year, Cragin set a national high school record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 46.75 seconds in the Class 4A state tournament, breaking a record which had stood for 10 years. The victory made him a four-time state champion in the event, in which he first set the state record as a sophomore, then broke it as a junior and again as a senior. His state-record time as a junior (48.63) was the nation’s fastest. Not only did Cragin double in the state meet in the backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly as a junior and a senior, but he set state records each year in the butterfly as well. His state-record time this year in the butterfly was 48.46 seconds, and he was second in that event as a sophomore and sixth as a freshman. Cragin will attend the University of Texas.

    Cragin had an impressive career as a Longhorn. He was a four time NCAA All American. He also qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials.


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    Records

  • set a national high school record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 46.75 seconds
  • Professional Achievements

  • 4x NCAA All American
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Texas
  • Lenape High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Torosian, an ESPN RISE All-America First Team selection last fall, finished her high school career with 42 goals and 38 assists.

    Torosian, an ESPN RISE All-America First Team selection last fall, finished her high school career with 42 goals and 38 assists.

  • 2x NSCAA/adidas Girls High School All-American
  • Attended the University of Florida
  • Girls' Soccer
    2009 Player of the Year

    Natalia Torosian

    Lenape High School

    Mount Laurel,
    New Jersey

    Impact Statement

    Torosian, an ESPN RISE All-America First Team selection last fall, finished her high school career with 42 goals and 38 assists.

    Biography

    A two-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas Girls High School All-American, Torosian tallied 11 goals and 17 assists to lead Lenape to a 25-0-0 record, a second straight Group 4 championship and the Newark Star-Ledger Trophy as the No. 1 team in the state. She was named the Star-Ledger Player of the Year and the Philadelphia Inquirer South Jersey Player of the Year.  In addition, Natalia was a three-time All-State selection.

    Also an ESPN RISE All-America First Team selection last fall, Torosian finished her career with 42 goals and 38 assists. A member of the New Jersey Olympic Developmental Program Under-17 Team that claimed the 2007 U.S. Youth Soccer title and won the Region 1 Tournament and reached the national championship match in 2008, Torosian will attend the University of Florida.

    Torosian played all four years for the University of Florida.


    Photos

    Professional Achievements

  • 2x NSCAA/adidas Girls High School All-American
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Florida
  • St. Xavier High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Bick led St. Xavier to back-to-back state titles his junior and senior seasons.

    Bick led St. Xavier to back-to-back state titles his junior and senior seasons.

  • 2x Indiana State Champion
  • 2009 Big Ten All-Freshman Team
  • 2007 Indiana's Gatorade Player of the Year
  • 2x NSCAA/ADIDAS Boys High School All-American
  • Attended Indiana University
  • Boys' Soccer
    2009 Player of the Year

    Kevin Bick

    St. Xavier High School

    Louisville,
    Kentucky

    Impact Statement

    Bick led St. Xavier to back-to-back state titles his junior and senior seasons.

    Biography

    The versatile Bick was one of just seven players to be named a two-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Boys High School All-American this year and also was an ESPN RISE All-America First Team selection last fall. Bick led St. Xavier to back-to-back state titles his junior and senior seasons, as the Tigers compiled a record of 47-1-2 during those two years. St. Xavier was undefeated (25-0-2) during Bick’s junior season and 22-1 last fall.

    The Gatorade State Player of the Year in 2007, Bick was named First Team All-State in 2007 and 2008 and became the first player to be named Kentucky’s Mr. Soccer recipient twice. In his final three seasons, Bick tallied 43 goals and 46 assists, including 21 goals and 19 assists as a forward in 2007. He moved back to the midfield as a senior, finishing with 12 goals and 14 assists. Committed to Indiana University, Bick also was a member of the U.S. Under-18 National Team in 2008.

    His freshman year at Indiana ended landing him on the Big Ten’s All Freshman Team. After his sophomore season Bick transfered to San Diego State University. He finished his career being named on the All Pac-12 Second Team.


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    Records

  • 2x Indiana State Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2009 Big Ten All-Freshman Team
  • 2007 Indiana's Gatorade Player of the Year
  • 2x NSCAA/ADIDAS Boys High School All-American
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Indiana University
  • Porter Ridge High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Gunter won three consecutive state championships by a whopping 10 strokes during her career at Porter Ridge.

    Gunter won three consecutive state championships by a whopping 10 strokes during her career at Porter Ridge.

  • 3x North Carolina State Champion
  • 2010 All-ACC Academic Women's Golf Team
  • Attended the University of North Carolina
  • Girls' Golf
    2009 Player of the Year

    Courtney Gunter

    Porter Ridge High School

    Indian Trail,
    North Carolina

    Impact Statement

    Gunter won three consecutive state championships by a whopping 10 strokes during her career at Porter Ridge.

    Biography

    After being tied for the lead following the first day of the Class A-2A-3A state tournament last fall, Gunter made it a runaway on the final day, shooting the tournament’s only subpar round – a 2-under 70 in blustery, chilly conditions – to shoot 76-70-146 and win her third consecutive state championship by a whopping 10 strokes. She was a three-time South Piedmont Conference Player of the Year and a two-time Charlotte Observer Player of the Year.

    Also an outstanding junior player, Gunter was a Rolex Junior All-America Honorable Mention selection and was named North Carolina Junior Player of the Year in 2008 after finishing in the top 10 in eight of the 15 events she entered, and was an EA Sports All-American in 2007. She will attend the University of North Carolina.

    While at UNC she excelled both on the golf course and the class room. She was named the National Golf Coaches Association, NGCA, All American Scholar and named to the All ACC Honor Roll. The Tar Heels made two NCAA appearances during her career.

    In July of 2018 Gunter was hired as the Head Coach at Western Carolina University.


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    Records

  • 3x North Carolina State Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2010 All-ACC Academic Women's Golf Team
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of North Carolina
  • Timberline High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Peck continues to impact the golf world.

    Peck continues to impact the golf world.

  • Multiple Washington State Place Finisher
  • 2013 Pacific Northwest Golf Association Golfer of the Year
  • Attended Texas A&M
  • Boys' Golf
    2009 Player of the Year

    Cameron Peck

    Timberline High School

    Lacey,
    Washington

    Impact Statement

    Peck continues to impact the golf world.

    Biography

    Peck has yet to win a state championship – he finished fourth in the Class 3A state tournament both as a sophomore and a junior and owns three top-five state finishes; however,  Peck burst onto the national scene by winning four of the eight American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) national events he played last summer – the FootJoy Invitational in June and the HP Boys Junior Championship, the U.S. Junior Championship and the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship on successive weeks in July – to finish No. 1 in the Polo Golf Rankings and earn his second Rolex Junior All-American First Team selection.

    As a freshman Peck finished second in the district tournament and fifth in the state meet despite a badly sprained wrist. Named his team’s Most Inspirational Player four consecutive years, Peck is also an outstanding student with a 3.7 grade-point average. He will attend Texas A&M University.

    In 2013 Peck won the 112th Pacific Northwest Men’s Amateur Championship, which earned his  card for the tour. He was also named the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Golfer of the Year.


    Photos

    Records

  • Multiple Washington State Place Finisher
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2013 Pacific Northwest Golf Association Golfer of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Texas A&M
  • Mission College Preparatory School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Hasay is the owner of nine national age-group records.  She was also named an All-American 18 times in her career.

    Hasay is the owner of nine national age-group records.  She was also named an All-American 18 times in her career.

  • 2x Nike Foot Locker Nationals Champion
  • California State Champion
  • 2x NCAA National Champion
  • 18x NCAA All American
  • Attended the University of Oregon
  • Girls' Cross Country
    2009 Player of the Year

    Jordan Hasay

    Mission College Preparatory School

    San Luis Obispo,
    California

    Impact Statement

    Hasay is the owner of nine national age-group records.  She was also named an All-American 18 times in her career.

    Biography

    Hasay’s star was the brightest in a year that included several outstanding senior runners. Last December, the 5-foot-4 Hasay won the Foot Locker Nationals race in 17:22 to become the fourth girl in race history to repeat as champion – she also won in 2005 – and the first four-time regional champion when she took the West Region crown.

    Named the Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year by USA Today last spring and the Gatorade National Girls Runner of the Year this year, Hasay captured the Division 5 state title last fall in 17:18, the fastest time in any class, to cap an unbeaten senior season. The owner of nine national age-group records, Hasay finished 10th in the 1,500-meter finals in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials and her time of 4:14.5 was a record for a high school runner in the Trials. The two-time Junior Nationals champion has qualified for the 2009 IAAF World Championships. Also an outstanding student with a 4.53 grade-point average, she will attend the University of Oregon.

    During her time at Oregon, Hasay won the Mile and the 3,000 meters titles at the NCAA Championship in 2011. She was an 18 time All American.

    Since graduating, Hasay has went on to compete in marathons. Most recently, she finished third at the 2019 Boston Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:25:20.


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    Records

  • 2x Nike Foot Locker Nationals Champion
  • California State Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2x NCAA National Champion
  • 18x NCAA All American
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Oregon
  • The Woodlands High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Connor excelled on the cross country courses in high school and continued while at the University of Wisconsin.

    Connor excelled on the cross country courses in high school and continued while at the University of Wisconsin.

  • Texas State Champion
  • 2008 Nike Cross Nationals Champion
  • 2014 Big Ten Indoor Track Athlete of the Year
  • 4x NCAA All American
  • 2011 Big Ten Outdoor Freshman of the Year
  • Attended the University of Wisconsin
  • Boys' Cross Country
    2009 Player of the Year

    Reed Connor

    The Woodlands High School

    The Woodlands,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    Connor excelled on the cross country courses in high school and continued while at the University of Wisconsin.

    Biography

    The 6-foot-1 Connor was named the Gatorade National Boys Runner of the Year after winning the Nike Cross Nationals Championship in 2008 in a course-record time of 15:13.6. He also set a course record in the Nike South Regional final. In the Class 5A state tournament Connor’s winning time of 14:47.19 was the second-fastest in the history of the Texas state meet.

    Connor slashed nearly two minutes off the time he ran in the state meet as a junior and won the race by 12 seconds. He also set course records in the Andy Wells Invitational and the Aldine Invitational and became the third runner ever to break 15 minutes in the Chile Pepper Festival race in Arkansas. Also an outstanding student with a 3.7 grade-point average, he will attend the University of Wisconsin.

    His freshman year, he was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in Track & Field and won the outdoor Big Ten title in the 5,000 meters. He was named as a Second team All American in both the indoor 3,000 meters and the outdoor 5,000 meters. He continued to excel and went on to win two more Big Ten Championships in 2014 in the 10,000 meters and 3,000 meters. He was also named the Big Team Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. He was earned All American honors in 2013 in the outdoor 5,000 meters and in 2014 in the indoor 5,000 meters. He also earned All American honors in 2011 and 2012 in Cross Country.


    Photos

    Records

  • Texas State Champion
  • 2008 Nike Cross Nationals Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2014 Big Ten Indoor Track Athlete of the Year
  • 4x NCAA All American
  • 2011 Big Ten Outdoor Freshman of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Wisconsin
  • Washington High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    “It’s not about being the best, it’s about being your best”
    -Skylar Diggins-Smith

    “It’s not about being the best, it’s about being your best”
    -Skylar Diggins-Smith

  • 4x WNBA All Star
  • 2x Nancy Lieberman Award honoree
  • 2009 Gatorade National Player of the Year
  • Attended Notre Dame University
  • Girls' Basketball
    2009 Player of the Year

    Skylar Diggins

    Washington High School

    South Bend,
    Indiana

    Impact Statement

    “It’s not about being the best, it’s about being your best”
    -Skylar Diggins-Smith

    Biography

    The 5-foot-10 guard won the state’s scoring title, averaging 29.0 points per game, and also averaged 6.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 5.4 steals and 2.2 blocks to lead the Panthers to a 26-1 record and the Class 4A state championship game.   The Panthers fell 71-69 to the nation’s top-ranked team, Indianapolis Ben Davis High.

    The Gatorade National Player of the Year led Washington to the state title game all four years of her high school career and the 2007 crown. She scored 2,790 points – the third highest total in state history – averaged 25.9 points per game in her career and led all scorers with 18 points in the McDonald’s All-America high school basketball game, adding five rebounds and three steals. Diggins also started all five games for the U.S. Under-18 team that won the FIBA Americas gold medal in 2008, averaging 10.8 points in 23.2 minutes per game. Also an outstanding student with a 3.91 grade-point average, she will attend the University of Notre Dame.

    While at Notre Dame, she and the Irish went to the Final Four three consecutive years in a row. The Irish went on to win two NCAA titles during that time. She finished her career setting the bar in points and steals. She was second all- time at Notre Dame in assists. Diggins was honored twice with the Nancy Lieberman Award, which is given to the top point guard.

    In 2013, Diggins, now Diggins-Smith, was the third overall draft pick for the Tulsa Shock. In 2014 she was the WNBA’s Most Improved Player. She is a four time WNBA All Star.

    Internationally, in 2012 she won a Gold medal at the World Championships with Team USA.

    Diggins led Notre Dame to three consecutive Final Fours and two consecutive NCAA championship appearances.


    Photos

    Professional Achievements

  • 4x WNBA All Star
  • 2x Nancy Lieberman Award honoree
  • 2009 Gatorade National Player of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Notre Dame University
  • Columbus High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    “I can’t be away from this sport for more than a week or two at a time.”
    -CJ Napier

    “I can’t be away from this sport for more than a week or two at a time.”
    -CJ Napier

  • 3x Nebraska State Champion
  • High School Career Record of 145-9
  • 2009 NHSCA Senior National Champion
  • 2014 NCAA DII All American
  • 2012 NCAA DI National Qualifier
  • Attended the University of Nebraska before transferring to Fort Hays State University
  • Wrestling
    2009 Player of the Year

    CJ Napier

    Columbus High School

    Columbus ,
    Kansas

    Impact Statement

    “I can’t be away from this sport for more than a week or two at a time.”
    -CJ Napier

    Biography

    Napier accomplished a rarity in high school wrestling, winning three consecutive Class 4A state championships at the same weight class, 135 pounds. This year Napier posted a perfect 36-0 record. As a freshman, he finished third in state at 130, and ended his career with a record of 145-9.

    Wrestling in one of the toughest weight classes in the NHSCA National High School Seniors Wrestling Championships at Virginia Beach, Va. in April, Napier went 6-0 with victories over two three-time state champions and a two-time state champion. His 7-3 overtime victory in the finals earned him the meet’s Jeff Reese Memorial Award as the meet’s Outstanding Wrestler. Last year he finished fifth in the NHSCA Junior Nationals. Napier also has been a freestyle wrestling standout. He was a USA Wrestling Cadet National freestyle champion in 2006 and finished fifth in the USA Wrestling Junior National freestyle championships in 2008. He will attend the University of Nebraska.

    While at Nebraksa, Napier qualified for the 2012 NCAA National Championships as a sophomore. Going into his senior year, Napier transferred to Fort Hayes State University. He went on to place 4th after two tough overtime loses to close out his career, making him a NCAA DII All American.


    Photos

    Videos


    Records

  • 3x Nebraska State Champion
  • High School Career Record of 145-9
  • 2009 NHSCA Senior National Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2014 NCAA DII All American
  • 2012 NCAA DI National Qualifier
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Nebraska before transferring to Fort Hays State University
  • Wyoming Seminary Upper School

    2009 Player of the Year

    “Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.”
    -Vince Lombardi, Kolojejchick’s favorite quote

    “Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.”
    -Vince Lombardi, Kolojejchick’s favorite quote

  • Pennsylvania State Champion
  • 2016 Olympic Team Member
  • Won Gold at 2015 Pan Am Games
  • 4x NCAA First Team All-American
  • 4x NFHCA All American
  • Attended the University of North Carolina
  • Field Hockey
    2009 Player of the Year

    Kelsey Kolojejchick

    Wyoming Seminary Upper School

    Kingston,
    Pennsylvania

    Impact Statement

    “Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.”
    -Vince Lombardi, Kolojejchick’s favorite quote

    Biography

    A four-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American, Kolojejchick helped lead the Knights to a 23-1 record and the Class 2A state championship last fall, and the team posted an overall record of 87-5 during her career.

    A member of the Under-21 U.S. National Team since 2007, she helped the Americans win the Junior Pan American Games championship last fall, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Chile that enabled the American team to clinch first place in its pool. She also was a member of the Under-16 National Team.

    An all-around athlete, Kolojejchick was a two-time All-Conference selection in soccer, was the recipient of her team’s Gold Award in swimming and also competed in track and field during her career. She will attend the University of North Carolina.

    While at UNC, Kolojejchick and the Tar Heels made it to the Championship game all four years, winning the NCAA title her Freshman year. She was a four time First Team All-American, the first Tar Heel to do so.

    Kolojejchick won a Gold at the 2015 Pan American Games  and has been on Team USA since 2012. She is currently the Assistant Coach at Harvard University.


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  • Pennsylvania State Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2016 Olympic Team Member
  • Won Gold at 2015 Pan Am Games
  • 4x NCAA First Team All-American
  • 4x NFHCA All American
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of North Carolina
  • Papillion-LaVista High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    “Don’t take things for granted. Time truly flies by and it’s the only thing you can’t get back.”
    -Gina Mancuso

    “Don’t take things for granted. Time truly flies by and it’s the only thing you can’t get back.”
    -Gina Mancuso

  • 2x Nebraska State Champion
  • 2x ACVA All American
  • Gatorade National Player of the Year
  • Attended the University of Nebraska
  • Girls Volleyball
    2009 Player of the Year

    Gina Mancuso

    Papillion-LaVista High School

    Papillion,
    Nebraska

    Impact Statement

    “Don’t take things for granted. Time truly flies by and it’s the only thing you can’t get back.”
    -Gina Mancuso

    Biography

    The 6-foot outside hitter was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year and an Under Armour First Team All-American after racking up 721 kills, 50 assists, 373 digs, 39 aces and 53 blocks last fall. She led Papillion-LaVista to a 42-1 record and a second consecutive Class A state championship. An honorary co-captain of both the Lincoln Journal Star Super State Team and the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Team as a senior, Mancuso recorded 32 assists, nine digs, five kills and an ace in the Monarchs’ three-game title-match sweep of Lincoln Northwest High.

    On the international level, Mancuso helped lead the U.S. Junior National team to the NORCECA Junior Continental championship in 2008. A three-sport athlete who also competed in basketball and track and field, Mancuso also sported a 4.64 grade-point average. She will attend the University of Nebraska.

    At Nebraska Mancuso continued to excel on the court and in the classroom. She was a two time ACVA All American and a AVCA first team all region. She was also a two-  time All-Big Ten first team honoree. In addition, Mancuso was a first-team CoSIDA Academic All-American.

    Upon graduation Mancuso played professionally overseas with stints in Puerto Rico, Azerbaijan, Poland and Germany.


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  • 2x Nebraska State Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2x ACVA All American
  • Gatorade National Player of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Nebraska
  • Canyon del Oro High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Fowler lead Canyon del Oro to two state championships before heading to the University of Arizona.

    Fowler lead Canyon del Oro to two state championships before heading to the University of Arizona.

  • 2x Arizona State Champion
  • 2X NFCA All-American
  • 2x Gatorade National Player of the Year (2008 & 2009)
  • Softball
    2009 Player of the Year

    Kenzie Fowler

    Canyon del Oro High School

    Oro Valley,
    Arizona

    Impact Statement

    Fowler lead Canyon del Oro to two state championships before heading to the University of Arizona.

    Biography

    Last spring the 6-foot Fowler became the first softball player – and the 10th in any sport – to be named Gatorade National Player of the Year as a junior after pitching Canyon del Oro to a 33-4 record and its second consecutive Class 4A Division 1 state championship. After overcoming life-threatening surgery and eight days in intensive care for a vascular condition, she finished 24-1 with a 0.28 earned-run average as a junior, striking out 309 batters in 148 2/3 innings while recording four no-hitters.

    She also excelled at the plate, batting .448 with five home runs and 33 RBIs. As a sophomore she was 28-1 with a 0.16 ERA. This spring, Fowler, whose fastball has been clocked at 71 miles per hour, is 20-2 and pitched a perfect game in her final regular-season start. Fowler, who has a 3.39 grade-point average, will attend the University of Arizona.

    As a freshman, Fowler and the Wildcats reached the Women’s College World Series and advanced to the Championships Series before being derailed by UCLA. Fowler entered in with the fourth-most wins for a season in program history (38).

    Near the end of her sophomore season Fowler was hit by a foul ball during a night game and missed three weeks of the season with a concussion.

    During her freshman and junior year Fowler was named  (one of 25 players) as a USA Softball Player of the Year Finalist. She was a two time NFCA All-American, one time First Team and one time Second Team.

    Fowler graduated with her degree in Journalism and was hired as an analyst by the Pac-12 Networks.


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  • 2x Arizona State Champion
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2X NFCA All-American
  • 2x Gatorade National Player of the Year (2008 & 2009)
  • Lake Travis High School

    2002 Player of the Year

    “He’s a natural passer, a beautiful passer.”
    -Steve Spurrier
    Orlando Apollos Head Coach

    “He’s a natural passer, a beautiful passer.”
    -Steve Spurrier
    Orlando Apollos Head Coach

  • 2nd overall on Texas' all-time passing list
  • 2x Texas State Champion team member
  • Plays in the NFL for the Washington Commanders (2022)
  • 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year
  • 2008 Mr. Texas Football
  • Attended the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University
  • Football
    2002 Player of the Year

    Garrett Gilbert

    Lake Travis High School

    Austin,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    “He’s a natural passer, a beautiful passer.”
    -Steve Spurrier
    Orlando Apollos Head Coach

    Biography

    Never in the prestigious history of Texas high school football had one of its players been selected as the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Gilbert became the first as he led Lake Travis to a 16-0 record, the Class 4A state championship, and the No. 6 spot in the NHSCA Top 25 Large School National football rankings.

    The University of Texas commitment, whose father is former NFL quarterback Gale Gilbert, finished his career No. 2 on the state’s all-time passing list – behind only former Texas Tech University standout Graham Harrell – with 12,538 career yards and 136 touchdown passes on 895-of-1,368 passing. This year he passed for 4,851 yards and 55 touchdowns against just six interceptions, leading the Cavaliers to an average of 49 points per game. In a 48-23 victory over Longview High in the state championship game, he was 25-of-34 for 358 yards and four touchdowns.

    Gilbert attended Texas and played for three years before completing his degree. Upon graduation he transferred to Southern Methodist University to complete his collegiate career. He finished with 9,761 yards and 49 touchdowns over the course of his career and a record of 47-37.

    Gilbert was drafted by the Rams in the 2014 NFL draft. Gilbert was on a handful of different teams before ending up in Cleveland in 2019, where he played 5 games for the Browns this season. Prior to Cleveland, Gilbert also played for the Orlando Apollo, an Alliance of American Football team, where he led with 157 completions for a league-best 2,152 yards.


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  • 2nd overall on Texas' all-time passing list
  • 2x Texas State Champion team member
  • Professional Achievements

  • Plays in the NFL for the Washington Commanders (2022)
  • 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year
  • 2008 Mr. Texas Football
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University
  • James W. Mitchell High School

    2009 Player of the Year

    Schuster went from New Port Richey, Florida to Major League Baseball.

    Schuster went from New Port Richey, Florida to Major League Baseball.

  • Baseball
    2009 Player of the Year

    Patrick Schuster

    James W. Mitchell High School

    New Port Richey,
    Florida

    Impact Statement

    Schuster went from New Port Richey, Florida to Major League Baseball.

    Biography

    The 6-foot-2, 167-pound left-handed pitcher turned the high school baseball world upside down this spring when he set a state record by pitching four consecutive no-hitters. The previous record had stood for 22 years. In his record-breaking fourth straight no-hitter on April 20, he struck out 17 in a 5-0 victory over Dade City Pasco High, mixing a 90-plus fastball with curve balls and sliders. In his four no-hitters Schuster struck out 60, while issuing only seven walks. Schuster finished 8-1 this season with a 0.93 earned-run average, striking out 115 and allowing just 16 hits in 60 innings. A 29-inning hitless streak ended when he yielded a third-inning double in a 9-4 loss to Tampa Gaither High in the state playoffs. Schuster also was an offensive threat, batting .403 with 21 RBIs and 21 runs scored. As a junior, he posted a 5-2 record and a 1.07 ERA. He will attend the University of Florida.

    Instead of college, Schuster was drafted in the 13th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was then traded to the Oakland A’s, where he made his MLB debut July 5, 2016.


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    Personal Honors